State House under fire over ksh 1B travel costs. The government spent Ksh.1.074 billion on domestic travel in the first nine months of the 2024/25 financial year. This has raised questions about President William Ruto’s commitment to austerity.
The figures come from a report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o. It shows the national government spent Ksh.1.2 trillion — 70% of the revised budget — during the same period.
In total, Ksh.11.6 billion went to local travel. Another Ksh.5.1 billion was used for international trips.
President Ruto’s office spent Ksh.145.36 million on local travel. It also used Ksh.30 million for foreign trips.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s office spent more. It used Ksh.196.22 million on domestic travel and Ksh.22 million on international travel.
Members of Parliament were the top spenders. They used over Ksh.3.3 billion on domestic trips and Ksh.1.014 billion on overseas travel.
Senators followed closely. They spent Ksh.902 million on local travel and Ksh.438 million on foreign travel.
The report shows the government is struggling to reduce recurrent spending. This is despite President Ruto’s directive to cut non-essential expenses after the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024.
The president had announced a freeze on unnecessary travel for public officers. But recent travel figures suggest that pledge has not been honored.
The rising travel costs have increased public doubt. Many Kenyans now question the sincerity of the government’s cost-cutting efforts.
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